Michael Thonet stools

These rare stools were designed by Michael Thonet and produced by Thonet in Austria. The design features a structure composed entirely of bentwood with a circular cane seat, adhering to Thonet’s pioneering use of steam-bent wood to achieve lightweight yet durable forms. Each stool is built from a series of interlocking curved elements forming symmetrical circles and arcs that enclose and support the round seat. The overall geometry is radial and sculptural, with a rhythmic repetition of the circular motif giving the piece a three-dimensional lattice appearance.

The cane seat is woven in a traditional hexagonal pattern and remains taut and functional, contributing both texture and a degree of transparency to the upper surface. The dark brown stain on the bentwood elements highlights the grain while preserving the natural luster of the beechwood material. The overall form is compact, symmetrical, and airy, offering versatility as occasional seating or side tables.

Michael Thonet, a German-Austrian cabinetmaker, is recognized as one of the most important innovators in 19th-century furniture design. He revolutionized mass production techniques through his development of bentwood furniture, particularly with chairs such as the iconic No. 14. The Thonet company continued producing bentwood designs into the mid-20th century, blending classical craftsmanship with modernist sensibilities.

The stools are in good vintage condition with small signs of usage, including light scuffs and wear to the wood surface and slight patina on the cane. The construction remains stable and the finish consistent, with all cane weaving intact.

Each stool measures 39 cm in width, 39 cm in depth, and 39 cm in height. In imperial units, this equates to approximately 15.4 inches wide, 15.4 inches deep, and 15.4 inches high.